The Yankees Farm system and how they can get it right

It appears like a lifetime has gone by since the Yankees received a top quality prospect come through the organization.  Though there have been a few that manage to get a call up, none of them have made a true impact on the club (Robinson Cano being the exception).  This is an alarming trend, particularly since other Major League teams are making their futures around home grown talent like Joey Votto (Reds), Bryce Harper (Nationals), and Mike Trout (Angels).  Not since the days of Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada and Bernie Williams have the Bombers enjoyed that sort of positional depth and accomplishment. What are they doing wrong that other squads are not? Here are three things that I feel need to change if Yankees are to get their minor league system back in order.

Scout more players from the North East – It is no secret that scouts love to go to places where the weather is warmer and baseball can be played year round.  However, this works to the disadvantage of the player whose body can get worn out, especially if they happen to be a pitcher.  The epidemic of UCL tears requiring Tommy John surgery is getting out of hand and it’s time a team got a change to prevent this from hurting them over the long-run.  The Yankees should make themselves the first to espouse this new trend, it would definitely do them justice.

Get aggressive in the draft – The Yankees have been very uneasy about taking a potential superstar in top rounds.  Though it is risky to put ones hopes in a single player, it is something the Yankees should try to do more often.  You don’t find greats like Ken Griffey Jr. or Frank Thomas by sitting idly and allowing someone else to get them.  History shows that many chances don’t pan out, but the chance that it will should be enough for the Yankees to push harder come draft day.

Refrain from too many big name acquisitions – For as long as free agency has been around, the Yankees have been the biggest dog in the yard.  The endless supply of money and the allure of the Big Apple will always keep free agents enticed to take their gifts to 161st and River Avenue.  Nonetheless, this does more damage than good as it has caused their young players to become mislaid in the system or be dealt away.  A prime example of this is the former first round pick Eric Duncan, whom had a high upside and was primed to man third base for years to come. Nevertheless, he was lost in the fold when the Yankees hit the blockbuster deal to land Alex Rodriguez and his large contract, after placing him at third to play alongside Jeter.  This destroyed the confidence of Duncan and caused his play to slide dramatically. His game compiled with injuries sent him out of baseball at the prime age of 27 without ever realizing his dream.  That is not to suppose that things like this don’t happen, in fact, they take place all of the time.  Nonetheless, the Yankees need to give their talent pool an opportunity to sink or swim, they may risk one too many cases like Duncan. Placing a stranglehold on youth because of the organizations love of the stars and quick fixes is a perilous business, especially in a game like baseball.